Romantic Trips to Kenya: The Ten Best Honeymoon Locations & Accommodations
Kenya is a place of well-known romance, a land where giant savannahs filled with wildlife, ice-capped mountains soar high into the sky, and Indian Ocean beaches hold promises of all day sun. From the legendary Maasai Mara to the wilds of Samburu, this East African wonder provides an unforgettable backdrop for a trip of your life.
We’ve created up the ultimate guide for Kenya’s ten most amazing honeymoon spots and lodges. Prepare to fall head over heels with one another and this enticing country as we go. Your ideal African vacation starts here!
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Just imagine it: never-ending golden plains that stretch out as far as the eye can see, spotted with acacia trees that are always in bloom and filled with wildlife. Welcome to the Maasai Mara, Kenya’s most iconic safari location and stage for the annual wildebeest migration—the world’s greatest natural spectacle.
Wake at dawn’s break for a hot air balloon ride above the savannah, watching as sunrise splatters color across the plains painting them in shades of red and gold. Spend your days on exhilarating game drives spotting lions, leopards, elephants, and cheetahs in action. As dusk slowly approaches sip on sundowners while getting surrounded by animals in their natural habitat.
For an out-of-this-world honeymoon location get away from everyone else at Angama Mara. It is placed high above the plains along the Great Rift Valley. With just 30 glass-fronted tented suites, a romantic infinity pool to die for, and its own private airstrip there is no better place than here (when it comes to safari). If you’re looking for something more rustic then retreat inside Sand River Masai Mara. Here six vintage-style tents overlook the banks of the Sand River. For animal spotting, this is good place to be because it’s perfect for elephants and hippos.
Insider Tip: To see the wildebeest river crossings that will take your breath away while at Maasai Mara, visit between July and October but make sure you book ahead of time since lodges fill up fast.
Diani Beach
Powder-soft white sands between your toes as you walk along a 10km beach with palm trees all around, while warm water comes up to lap at your feet. Welcome to Diani Beach, Kenya’s best tropical paradise. This stunning coastline provides a fantastic place to unwind and go on an adventure for those honeymooners who love the beach life.
Take lazy days just lounging under the sun or walk into turquoise shallows working towards colorful coral reefs that are just off shore. If you’re feeling adventurous try kitesurfing, take a sunset dhow cruise, or venture nearby Shimba Hills National Reserve where elephants and rare sable antelope are known to roam.
For some luxury in this small budget option check out The Sands at Nomad. It has 37 boho-chic cottages set against 26 acres of coastal forest. You can sip cocktails at their swim-up bar area, indulge in open-air spa treatments from some of the finest masseuses in Kenya I bet! Fall asleep each night to the sound of waves crashing below you inside your four-poster bed—sounds dreamy right? On a tighter budget? Waterlovers Beach Resort offers laid-back charm and Swahili style just steps from the ocean.
Insider Tip: Take a day trip (eight hour drive) to Kisite Marine National Park where there is a crystal-clear lagoon that’s great for snorkeling with sea turtles and dolphins (and other wildlife if you get lucky!).
Samburu National Reserve
Ready to take a wander on the wild side? Tucked away in northern Kenya’s drought-afflicted wilderness, Samburu National Reserve offers an off-road safari experience that is both rugged and romantic. And with its jagged outcrops, dusty riverbeds and groves of doum palms, it is about as far from the serried grasslands of the south as you can possibly imagine.
During your stay here, you’ll spend your days tracking Samburu’s “Special Five”: Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra (double stripes), Somali ostrich and gerenuk (look it up). Take a walking safari with a local warrior to learn about his extraordinary culture and enjoy sun-downers on rocky hilltops while gazing at views that will stop you in your tracks.
The ultimate honeymoon splurge is Saruni Samburu, which boasts six luxurious villas perched above the Kalama Conservancy in its own private concession. Cool off in your infinity pool, dine by candlelight under the stars and fall asleep to the sounds of Africa. If budget is more of an issue, Elephant Bedroom Camp has 12 delightful tents strung along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River — home to one of Africa’s biggest herds of elephants.
Insider Tip: Make sure to visit Reteti Elephant Sanctuary nearby to watch baby jumbos being rescued and rehabilitated before being returned to the wild. It’s a heart-melting experience you’ll never forget.
Amboseli National Park
Picture this: herds of elephants ambling across rolling savannah against snow-capped backdrop of Africa’s tallest mountain. Welcome to Amboseli National Park — a lensman’s paradise where hair-raising wildlife encounters are accompanied by breathtaking vistas.
Set your alarm for dawn so not to miss Kilimanjaro at its most majestic. As the sun makes its way up from behind, you’ll see the summit blush rosy pink. Spend your day tracking lion prides and cheetahs, and marvel at some of the biggest herds of elephant in Africa as they lumber across the marshes. Later, head to Observation Hill for a gin and tonic and watch while the mountain changes colour.
Honeymoon like a movie star at Elewana Tortilis Camp, where 16 tented suites boast unparalleled views from their private verandahs. Take a dip in the pool, dine on gourmet fare under an inky sky and take a scenic flight over Kili for kicks. Tawi Lodge offers ten solid stone cottages with rustic-chic interiors and sweeping views of those elephant-filled plains for travellers feeling economically challenged.
Insider Tip: Visit one of Amboseli’s traditional Maasai villages to learn about this extraordinary tribe’s customs and way of life — it’s well worth seeing.
Lamu Island
Step back in time on Lamu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in Swahili history and culture. With its winding alleys, grand coral-stone houses, and bustling dhow port, this car-free island offers a glimpse into a bygone era of sultans and spice traders.
Explore the labyrinthine streets of Lamu Old Town, peeking into hidden courtyards and admiring the intricately carved wooden doors. Take a dhow cruise to deserted Manda Beach for a champagne picnic, or learn to windsurf in the calm waters of the Lamu Channel. By night, dine on fresh seafood and spicy curries under the stars, serenaded by the calls to prayer echoing from the many mosques.
For the ultimate Swahili-chic escape, check into The Majlis Resort, where 39 luxurious rooms and suites blend Arab, Indian, and European influences. Sunbathe by the oceanfront pool, indulge in massages at the Tulia Spa, and sail into the sunset on a traditional dhow. On a tighter budget, Kizingo Lodge offers rustic-luxe bandas right on the beach, with a focus on eco-friendly practices and community engagement.
Insider Tip: Take a guided tour of Lamu Fort —a 19th-century Omani stronghold that now houses a fascinating museum on Swahili culture and history.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Ready to tick off two bucket-list wildlife experiences in one go? Set in Africa’s Great Rift Valley , Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for its vast flocks of pink flamingos , as well as its thriving population of both black rhinos white rhinos .
Spend a dreamy day driving along the lakeshore —watching millions of flamingos paintthe shallows— (a vivid pink as they feed on the algae-rich water) . Keep your eyes peeled for rhinos grazing on the banks, along with baboons, warthogs, and the elusive leopard. Take a guided walk to the top of Baboon Cliff for panoramic views over the lake and the surrounding savannah.
Splurge on a stay at The Cliff , a luxurious tented camp perched on a rocky outcrop with prime views over the flamingo-flecked lake. With just 10 glass-fronted suites, a stunning infinity pool, and gourmet dining under the stars, it’s the ultimate honeymoon hideaway. For a more affordable option, Lake Nakuru Lodge offers simple but comfortable chalets right on the lakeshore, with resident monkeys and warthogs roamingthe grounds .
Insider Tip: Visit between January and February to catch —the flamingos at their most abundant— (but be prepared for higher prices and bigger crowds).
Tsavo East & West National Parks
Looking for a safari experience that’s truly off-the-beaten-track? Enter Tsavo East and West , two vast and untamed wilderness areas that together cover an astonishing four percent of Kenya’s total land area . With their rugged landscapes of red soil , volcanic hills , and lush springs , these parks offer an adventurous and romantic escape for intrepid honeymooners.
Spend your days exploring the parks’ diverse habitats : from—the open plains of Tsavo East to—the rocky outcrops —and lava flows—of Tsavo West . Track down —the famous “red elephants” (so named for their distinctive red soil coating), as well as lions , leopards , buffalos —and more . And take a dip in —the crystal-clear pools—(a lush oasis where you can spot hippos—and crocodiles beneath-the-surface).
For the utmost luxury, reserve a suite at Finch Hattons. It’s an elegant tented camp in Tsavo West, home to copper bathtubs, private decks and a dreamy infinity pool. This is the epitome of safari romance. If you’re trying to save some money I suggest Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge. This place has comfortable rooms with a view of Chyulu Hills, which might also give you the chance to see some elephants and other wildlife from your balcony.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss a visit to the Mudanda Rock in Tsavo East, a towering volcanic formation that offers panoramic views over the surrounding plains and a natural water hole where elephants come to drink.
Meru National Park
Ready for a safari adventure in the footsteps of legends? Set in the remote wilderness of northern Kenya, Meru National Park is where conservationists George and Joy Adamson raised and released their famous lioness, Elsa, back in the 1950s – a story immortalized in the book and movie “Born Free”.
Today, Meru offers a rugged and unspoiled safari experience away from the crowds, with its diverse landscapes of woodlands, grasslands, and meandering rivers. Track lions, leopards, elephants, and more on thrilling game drives, and take a guided walk along the banks of the Tana River in search of hippos and crocodiles. By night, fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush and the distant roar of lions.
For something straight out of your dreams stay at Elsa’s Kopje. Trust me when I say it’s luxurious. The lodge was built into rocky hillside above Elsa’s first camp.. There are only nine thatched cottages here so it’ll be quite exclusive for your honeymoon trip! Also there’s an infinity pool with stunning views so don’t forget your swimsuit.
Insider Tip: Take a scenic flight over the park to truly appreciate its vastness and diversity, with the chance to spot herds of animals from above.
Naivasha
Ready for a honeymoon that combines wildlife, adventure, and romance? Look no further than Naivasha, a stunning freshwater lake in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. With its lush forests, steaming geysers, and abundant birdlife, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.
Spend your days exploring the lake by boat, spotting hippos, crocs, and countless species of waterbirds along the shore. Take a guided hike or bike ride through the otherworldly landscape of Hell’s Gate National Park. Even get yourself stuck in traffic on some days because this place will have you questioning if you’re still on earth…a geothermal wonderland of towering cliffs, volcanic plugs, and bubbling hot springs. By night just relax in your love nest.
For top notch romance reserve a room at Loldia House or Elsamere Lodge.
Insider tip: Take a day trip to nearby Crescent Island, a private game sanctuary where you can walk among giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Want a honeymoon that gives back? Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a pioneering wildlife sanctuary that combines thrilling safari experiences with cutting-edge conservation initiatives.
Track the Big Five on game drives, visit the last two northern white rhinos on earth, and meet the adorable residents of the chimpanzee sanctuary. Take a guided bush walk with a Maasai warrior to learn about their ancient way of life, and enjoy sundowners on the plains as the sun sets behind Mount Kenya.
For an unforgettable honeymoon experience, stay at Sweetwaters Serena Camp. With just 39 tents featuring four-poster beds, private verandahs and a stunning swimming pool.
On a smaller budget? Ol Pejeta Bush Camp offers seven simple but charming tents along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River where elephants and other wildlife can be spotted right from your doorstop.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss a visit to the Morani Information Center where you can learn about Ol Pejeta’s groundbreaking conservation work and even adopt an endangered animal to support their efforts.
